From a single goat farm in western Georgia to a fast-growing dairy brand with a fully integrated production cycle, Aria has positioned itself as a standout name in the country’s food industry. Built on a commitment to natural ingredients, transparent production and consistent quality, the company has earned strong consumer trust and a growing presence in both retail and hospitality sectors. This success has also been recognized at the national level, with Aria named a winner at the Golden Brand awards as a dynamically developing dairy producer.
We present an interview with Tata Kurkhashvili, Commercial Director of Aria, who discusses the brand’s journey, its farm-to-table approach and the key drivers behind its rapid growth and industry recognition.
Q. To begin, tell us about Aria. How did the brand start and what was the original idea behind it?
A. Aria was created with the idea of giving consumers in Georgia access to 100 percent natural, clean and high-quality dairy products. Everything started in western Georgia, in the village of Menji in the Senaki municipality, where we first established a goat farm. Over time, this developed into a full production cycle – from farm to final product. Today, Aria is a modern Georgian brand offering natural dairy products without additives or preservatives.
Q. What are Aria’s core values and what sets the brand apart from other dairy producers in Georgia?
A. Our main values are naturalness, quality and transparency in production. Every product is made only from raw, pasteurized milk and contains no artificial additives. What also distinguishes us is full control over the entire process – from the farm to the final product. This is what creates the authentic taste that often reminds people of traditional, homemade dairy.
Q. Your farm is located in Menji, Samegrelo. Can you tell us more about the environment and the scale of your production today?
A. Our farm and production facility are both located in Menji. It is a unified space where modern technologies are used to produce dairy products in line with international standards. Having everything in one place allows us to fully control quality, from milk collection to the finished product.
Q. The farm spans around 60 hectares. How important is an environmentally clean setting for product quality?
A. It is one of the most important factors. Our farm covers about 60 hectares and the animals are fed with grass and grain grown on-site. Their health and nutrition directly determine the quality of the milk, which ultimately affects the taste and purity of our products.
Q. Aria uses different types of milk – goat, cow and buffalo. How does this impact your product range, and which products are most in demand?
A. Using different types of milk allows us to create a very diverse product line. Each type brings its own taste and texture. Our assortment includes products made from goat, cow and buffalo milk. Consumers especially love our cheeses, although demand is strong across other dairy categories as well.
Q. Could you introduce Aria’s current product range? Are you planning to expand it further?
A. Today, Aria produces around 50 different dairy products. This includes a wide variety of cheeses and other dairy items created using both European and Georgian techniques. Our team is constantly working on new products to offer even more variety to our customers.
Q. The brand has been expanding rapidly in recent years. What does this growth look like today?
A. Aria has been developing very actively. We now have our own stores in the capital city of Tbilisi and the Black Sea resort city of Batumi. We are also collaborating closely with the HoReCa sector and professional chefs. As demand continues to grow, we are expanding our network and getting closer to our customers.
Q. Where can consumers currently purchase your products and what are your plans for further expansion?
A. Our products are available in Aria’s own stores in Tbilisi, on Abashidze Street, and in Batumi Mall. We also work with private label partners and cooperate with the HoReCa sector. Moving forward, we plan to further expand our retail network.
Q. Are you considering entering international markets?
A: At this stage, our main goal is to strengthen and stabilize our position in the local market. We are not currently focusing on exports.
Q. Aria was recently named a Golden Brand winner in the category of “Dairy Production – Dynamically Developing Brand”. What does this recognition mean for your team?
A. This award is an important recognition of the years of hard work and dedication of every member of our team. It is especially meaningful because the evaluation comes from both professionals and consumers. It gives us additional motivation to keep developing the brand further.
Q. In your view, what has been the key factor behind this success?
A. I believe the key factor is our uncompromising approach to quality. We never compromise on naturalness – we use only raw, pasteurized milk and control the entire production process. Along with this, the professionalism of our team and the trust of our customers have played a major role.
Q. How important are awards like this for promoting Georgian production?
A. Such awards are very important. They help promote local production and increase consumer trust. They also motivate local brands to grow and align more closely with international standards.
Q. How important is it for you that your products are made in Georgia using local resources?
A. It is a fundamental principle for us. Producing locally means not only ensuring quality but also supporting Georgian agriculture.
Q. What role do local farms play in the country’s economy?
A. The development of farming plays a significant role in the economy. It creates jobs in the regions, supports rural development and increases the competitiveness of local products.
Q. What are Aria’s future plans?
A. We plan to expand both our product range and our retail network. At the same time, we continue working on improving quality and developing innovative products so that we can always offer natural and distinctive flavors to our customers.
I would like to thank the entire Aria team – every employee who works daily to deliver high-quality, natural products to our customers. I would also like to express special thanks to the people and organizers who recognized Aria with the Golden Brand award. This recognition is both a great responsibility and a strong motivation for us to continue growing and offering the best Georgian products in the future.
